Cnn Breaking News’s drug content is written and reviewed by veterinarians to answer your most common questions about the effects of drugs, their side effects, and the type for which they’re prescribed. This content should not replace your vet’s advice.
What is famciclovir?
Famciclovir is a human antiviral medicine that is widely used in veterinary medicine to treat herpes infections in cats. Although not a cure, famciclovir can help improve symptoms and reduce virus excretion.
This is how famciclovir works
Famciclovir is an antiviral medication. It blocks the virus’s ability to produce more DNA and replicate. It does not kill the viruses that are currently circulating in the body, but it can prevent the virus from replicating uncontrollably.
Famciclovir is approved by the FDA for human use. Famciclovir is not currently approved by the FDA as a veterinary medicine. However, it is easily used in the veterinary sector and, under certain circumstances, veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human medicines for use in animals. This is referred to as an extra label or unapproved use because this use is not described on the drug label.
In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compound formulation of famciclovir. Combined medications are prescribed when there is a specific reason why your pet’s health cannot be treated with an FDA-approved medication, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form, the dosage strength isn’t commercially available, or the pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication. Compound drugs are not approved by the FDA. They are created individually by either a vet or an approved pharmacist to best meet the patient’s particular needs. You can find out more about compound drugs here.
Famciclovir — Start
Follow the instructions on the medicine label or your vet’s advice. Your vet will determine the appropriate dose. This medication is usually given twice a day without food. If your cat vomits after taking this medication, your vet may recommend giving the next dose with a small amount of food.
Have you missed a dose?
Talk to your vet about what to do if you forget to give a dose of famciclovir. In general, they can advise you to give it if you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your pet’s next dose, your vet may tell you to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. In most cases, they may tell you not to give additional or double doses.
Famciclovir Possible Side Effects
Famciclovir is generally well tolerated. Side effects may include:
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Durchfall
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Vermehrter Durst
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Vermehrtes Wasserlassen
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Gewichtsabnahme
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Erbrechen
If you think your pet is having side effects, contact your vet.
Side effects in humans
While this is also a prescription drug for people, there are different dosages and side effects that humans may experience. If you accidentally take a veterinary medicine, see a doctor right away or call the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.
Überwachung
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vet may recommend specific monitoring or routine testing while your pet is taking this medication, depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications they may be taking, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to receive this medication.
Your vet may recommend regular blood tests to make sure your pet is tolerating the medicine well.
Call your vet if:
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Serious side effects are observed (see above)
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Your pet’s condition does not worsen or improve with treatment
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You see or suspect an overdose
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Do you have any further questions or concerns about using famciclovir
Famciclovir overdose information
Information and research on overdoses of this medication in pets is limited. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst.
If you suspect an overdose, see a vet immediately or contact an animal poison control center. Consulting fees are often charged.
Tiergift-Hotline (855) 764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435
famciclovir storage
Famciclovir should be stored at controlled temperatures between 68-77 F. Brief exposures at temperatures between 59-86 F are acceptable.
Keep the container tightly closed to protect it from moisture and light. Always confirm storage requirements by checking the label.
Compound drugs should be stored according to the drug pharmacy label.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Famciclovir Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a cat take famciclovir?
Famciclovir is generally well tolerated and is often used for several weeks in a row. Talk to your vet to determine the best medication for your pet based on the diagnosis.
references
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Thomasy SM, Lim CC, Reilly CM, Kass PH, Lappin MR, Maggs DJ. Evaluation of orally administered famciclovir in cats experimentally infected with feline herpes virus type 1. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 2011; 72 (1) :85-95
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Reinhard CL, McCobb E, Stefanovski D, Sharp CR. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of famciclovir in shelter cats with naturally occurring upper respiratory tract disease. Animals (Basel). 2020; 10 (9) :1448.
No veterinary author or qualified reviewer received any compensation from the drug manufacturer as part of the preparation of this article. All content included in this article comes from public sources or the manufacturer.
Beitragsbild: iStock.com/Dominick